Brian Taylor describes his lucky escape from a gas explosion

Brian Taylor has revealed what sparked a gas explosion at his Gippsland farm and whether he will be back in the commentary chair for finals.

Brian Taylor is recovering after he was injured in a gas explosion at his home. Screen grab from Seven News

Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor says he was lucky to escape with minor injuries after a gas explosion at his Gippsland property.

The popular footy caller was trying to light a hot water service when it blew up in his face.

“After that the shock sets in, just that first three or four seconds … put my hair out and get out of there and move on,” Taylor said of his initial reaction on 7 News.

“And get a wet towel on my face, which all the locals helped with, and that saved any swelling or blistering on my face.”

Taylor was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital from his farm in Walhalla, 180km east of Melbourne.

He suffered “minor burns” to his face and was flown to Melbourne for routine monitoring and observation.

“I’ve got quite a big forehead,” Taylor said. “It’s burnt right back to my hair and the old moustache got a bit of a touch up as well.”

Taylor said the incident reminded of stern advice he received as a youngster. “My mum and dad always told me never play with matches, and that’s very, very true,” he said.

Brian Taylor was flown to hospital after the gas explosion. Picture: Channel 7

Brian Taylor is recovering after he was injured in a gas explosion at his home. Picture: Channel 7

The former Tigers and Magpies star will ease back into the Channel 7 commentary box on Friday to call the Port versus Cats game.

“Look, it’s an abundance of caution, all the fuss and huff and puff and that sort thing,” he said.

“But I’m looking forward to calling the footy (in) the first week of the finals. It’s going to be an absolute cracker.”

Taylor’s close friends James Brayshaw and Billy Brownless warned him to lay off the tools.

“As I understand, (it’s at the) very minor end of the injury scale, but lucky,’’ Brayshaw said.

“Brian, stop trying to do stuff yourself. It was back in the 80s (he was a plumber) - employ a tradesman to come and put stuff in for you.”

Brayshaw and Brownless mused on Triple M that he’s got seven hot water services at his property.

“Brian stop doing it yourself,’’ Brayshaw said. “I’m speaking for all tradies, they would all be sitting in their cars right now, going listen, ring us up get us to come around, we know what we’re doing, you don’t. We will do it properly.”

Brownless added: ‘It’s like old blokes trying to get up on the roof and clean gutters. No.”

Walhalla resident Frank Ryan said Taylor was well-loved in the small town.

“He keeps a low profile,” Mr Ryan said. “He doesn’t big note himself or anything like that.

“You wouldn’t even recognise him in the street.”